Faith groups criticise campaign

Muslim and Jewish communities in Scotland have hit out at a campaign set up by vets which calls for all animals to be stunned before slaughter to avert suffering.

Both the Muslim Council for Scotland and the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities have criticised the British Veterinary Association (BVA) publicity drive.

The campaign - which was stepped up last week when letters were sent to Scotland's political leaders - is at odds with Muslim and Jewish beliefs over halal and kosher practices. It has led to claims by the Muslim Council that a change could diminish Islamic observance.